Allen keeps his hopes alive

Friday

Jun 21, 2013 at 12:21 AM

Jody Allen knew he was playing for his last chance to make the semifinals of the Neptune Cup in Thursday’s B Division match against Craig Buettner at the NorthRiver Yacht Club.Allen defeated Buettner, 6-2, 6-1.

By Danielle WalkerSpecial to The Tuscaloosa News

TUSCALOOSA | Jody Allen knew he was playing for his last chance to make the semifinals of the Neptune Cup in Thursday’s B Division match against Craig Buettner at the NorthRiver Yacht Club.Allen defeated Buettner, 6-2, 6-1.“Jody played better. He’s a more seasoned player,” Buettner said of Allen, who has been playing tennis for 45 to 50 years. “He’s more crafty and steady.”Buettner has played for only five years and said his family started to play tennis once his wife started to play. His sons are also competing in the Neptune Cup. Buettner and his sons have competed in all three years of the Neptune Cup.Both from Tuscaloosa, the two have been teammates before, playing doubles. There were no hard feelings between the two after the match, despite the stakes. Buettner said playing with Allen previously didn’t play a factor in the match. “I didn’t scout him beforehand. He’s a steady player. He’s tough,” Buettner said.Allen, who began his tennis career in high school, enjoyed playing Buettner.“He’s a good player, has a good stroke. I thought it was a good match,” Allen said.Allen said he hopes to go as long as he possibly can in the tournament.“I’m enjoying it. Every year I can play, I’m grateful,” he said.In the other B Division main draw match, Reiner Goers easily defeated Dexter Montz 6-0, 6-0.In the A Division, Cole Alitzer defeated Paul Hahn 7-5, 6-2.In A Division consolation matches, Kyle Humphrey defeated Cody Hearing 6-0, 6-0, and Mason Lake defeated Sanders Edmonson 3-6, 6-2, 10-7.Neptune Cup semifinals begin today at 5:30 p.m. at the NorthRiver Yacht Club.